Transitional Kindergarten

The Kindergarten Readiness Act of 2010 (Senate Bill 1381 and related implementation details in Senate Bill 30) has enacted a historic reform to help ensure that California children are better prepared to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.

The legislation changes the requirements for kindergarten entry from five years old by December 2 to five years old by September 1, so that all children enter kindergarten at age five. The new law amends the state Education Code relating to kindergarten to create "transitional kindergarten," the first year of a two-year kindergarten experience for students born between September and December. This gives four-year-olds with fall birthdays an additional year of preparation before entering kindergarten.

The transitional kindergarten program will be phased in over three years and be fully implemented by 2014.

In 2012-13, children who have their fifth birthday between November 2 and December 2 will be admitted to a transitional kindergarten program maintained by the local school district.

In 2013-14, children who have their fifth birthday between October 2 and December 2 will be admitted to the transitional kindergarten program.

In 2014-15 and each school year thereafter, children who have their fifth birthday between September 2 and December 2 will be admitted to the transitional kindergarten program.

Professional Development

Transitional Kindergarten Symposium: January 18, 2012

Transitional Kindergarten Planning Guide from CCSESA
The California County Superintendents Educational Services Association (CCSESA) has just released a new Transitional Kindergarten Planning Guide that reviews program structure and design, curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

Updated Transitional Kindergarten FAQ
The Transitional Kindergarten FAQ on the CDE website has been updated to respond to recent questions regarding program implementation.

Transitional Kindergarten Policy Brief

The California School Boards Association (CSBA) has released a sample board policy for Transitional Kindergarten. Click here to view.